Alumni Weekend has moved

Madison Academy and Madison College alumni are the best! While we can’t wait to see everyone back on campus, due to current State of Tennessee and Davidson County restrictions based on Covid-19, Madison Academy administration has determined to re-schedule Homecoming Weekend to April 30-May 1, 2021. Our plan is to honor classes ending in ’00, ’01, ’05, and ’06. If you would like more information contact our Alumni Relations Coordinator Mrs. Kristen Fulton.

Student leaders chosen

Because of the Covid-19 pandemic the student elections for Student Association officers and class officers scheduled to be held last April were held at the beginning of the school year, Wednesday, August 19th. Students began to campaign the week of August 17 by submitting an application. Speeches were given to the student body Wednesday during assembly. Voting happened during the lunch period by google forms. The results are: President-William Downs, Campus Ministries Coordinator-Patrick King, Service Coordinator-Matthew Taylor, Activities Coordinator-Elyse Pearman, Finance Officer-Nic Johnson, and Communications Coordinator-Samatha Martin.

The classes chose their officers two days later in class meetings.

Class of:2021202220232024
PresidentGabriel BrownAlex KingCarter BoskindBraden Larson
PastorMarvin PerazaAleah CraytonEdison GarciaNoah Jamieson
Activities CoordinatorJenny PedreroPaige RufoIreland KrollLola Crecilius
Finance OfficerJoey LimontaEthan JonesAndrew MurphyRyan Haslam
Communications CoordinatorZach MetzlerJulie HarveyEmily Mae JonesLily Gustafson

Scavenger Hunt 2002

Congratulations to the Class of 2023 for winning this years event. The Seniors came in second, the Freshmen third and the Juniors in last place. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic the annual scavenger hunt involving students and their family as well as the faculty and staff was moved from the gymnasium outdoors to the athletic field. An area was marked off with four small square tables located in the center where each class would bring items from their side of the square to the center.

The game is played like this. The Student Association sponsor, “Chappy” Jamieson calls out for an item–Walmart gift card. Students, families and faculty all look through the stuff they have brought from home and try to find the item asked for. When it is found or something like it a runner takes it to the center of the field and places it on their class table. One point is earned for being the first runner to place an item on any table. One point is given if it is a gift card but not a Walmart gift card. A third point is awarded it the gift card is indeed the exact item being asked for. So each item asked for can earn a class three points. Judges for this event were “Chappy” Jamieson along with Principal Kris Fuentes and her husband Dave Fuentes. Former math teacher Mr. Wayne Mosher kept a running tally of the points earned by each class and after each round share with the participants how many points they had earned in a round.

This event provided the Madison Academy family a chance to get to know each other a little better and to compete as a class. Parents were part of the action as well by hula hooping, throwing a Frisbee into a laundry basket, putting on medical ppe, eating a long string of candy, and drinking water from a bottle as part of a relay. The first student task was to break up the ice on a t-shirt and put it on and then run to the center of the field.

From 8:30 to 10:15 classes worked to find and bring the called items to the center of the field. This was the 36th annual time this event took place. We look forward to next year.

Athletic Opportunities

Because of Covid-19 the fall interscholastic program was modified to include cross-country running but no girls volleyball. Principal Fuentes and Athletic Director Coach Kenny Smith arranged for a school wide intramural program.

Open Volleyball Practice: Sunday 5-7 pm
                    -All Students and Staff(male and female) are welcome to come to practice. If you are interested in learning how to play the game I encourage you to come out.

Cross-Country Practice: Monday 5-6 pm
                    -For all students wanting to run in Cross-Country Meets this season. Meet with Coach Ley in the gym.  

Badminton Intramurals: Tuesday and Thursday 5-6:30 pm
                    -Tuesday will be open Badminton for all students and staff interested.
                    -Thursday will begin an Intramural tournament. Students and staff will choose a doubles partner to compete with. 

 If you have any questions about any of the opportunities please contact Coach Smith.

The first day of school

Because of the Covid-19 pandemic students, faculty and staff all started the day working to keep everyone safe. Temperatures of the students were taken and then they met with their classmates and class sponsors in different parts of campus and took a picture. Next students moved outside under the shade of the tree and “Chappy” Jamieson led worship. Patrick King, Ethan Jones, Emily Mae Jones and Ireland Kroll led students in two songs–Unstoppable God and How He Loves. “Chappy” continued the worship with the idea that all the experiences we have will make us into the people we will become–not knowing who we will impact.

Each of the classes went through four rotations during the day. Principal Fuentes reviewed the handbook for this year. Coach Smith, Coach Thomas, and Coach Ley did team-building activities in the gym. Mr. McKenzie was responsible for digital citizenship and passing out the student Chromebooks. Mr. Ryan Jamieson and Mrs. Kelly reviewed two components of an Empowered scholar: time management and growth mindset. Dr. Warren Downs, an emergency room doctor, talked with students about how to be safe in this Covid-19 pandemic. He reviewed and explained how the virus is transmitted and how to keep others and themselves safe by using masks as well as the importance of washing hands or using hand sanitizer.

For the last period of the day each class reassembled and worked out the details student leadership and scavenger hunt planning. Students and staff continue to do everything they can to keep all safe from the virus and learn at school or virtually with their friends.

Freshmen orientation

Students from the Class of 2024 met both in person and virtually in the Learning Commons for the beginning of their academy experience. Freshmen gathered to greet one another at 8:00am and then the faculty and staff introduced themselves by giving their names and what area they will be helping student learn and grow in. “Chappy” Jamieson then lead everyone in a devotional that inspired students to develop a relationship with Jesus — to have an encounter. “Chappy” led the class down to the gymnasium where he was joined by Coach Smith, and the class sponsors Mr. Ryan Jamieson and Coach Thomas. Students played a tournament of rock, paper, and sissors then then participated in different relays that required them to work as a team. The teams communicated instructions with one person and the others blindfolded or getting the task done without saying words.

Mike Downs from the class of 2017, shared his experience of going through Madison Academy and how that prepared him for the challenges of college: making friends and finding your passion or career interests. Both the virtual students and those in person moved to the Learning Commons to play a Kahoot that shared information about GPA, college scholarships, and PSAT testing as well as diplomas and tutoring options. Then it was on to the new English classroom where Mr. Ryan Jamieson talked about “Choices Leading to Academic Success.” He explained how the small choices may have a big impact, not to give up, but to keep trying to do your best.

A pizza lunch was served and everyone had some time to relax. Afterwards students opened their lockers and those that needed help were assisted by current students and staff. Coach Ley shared “Memory Hacks that Work” and took students through a scenario that demonstrated one way to memorize content. Mrs. Fuentes, principal, finished the day with “Student Handbook 101” and then closed the day with prayer as the staff encircled the class.

Beginning the new school year 2020-21

We have been hoping, praying, planning, preparing, praying, cleaning, waiting, and praying… for this week! It is the week our campus is once again filled with the chatter of students, the slamming of lockers, the clicking of fingers on chromebooks, and or laughter of friends. We are READY!!

We are ready to teach… to inspire… to play… to cheer… to connect… to pray! We are ready to be flexible… ready to adjust when our plans don’t work quite right… ready to do whatever it takes to support our students in their high school journey. We are ready… because we have been PRAYING for YOU!

New masks await you! We have a Ziploc baggie with two masks and a lanyard for each student on the first day of school.

No HOT LUNCH the First 3 days Due to all the COVID-19 adjustments, we are delaying our hot lunch program for the first week. (But, we ARE serving for Freshmen Orientation.) It will begin on Monday, August 17. The menu schedule will be in the newsletter later this week.
MA Polo Required for ALL Virtual Students Students who attend class virtually are required to wear an MA polo as part of being prepared to learn. This applies to quarantined students and those choosing online learning.
Absence Reporting – A New Protocol ! As part of the new safety protocols, we are requesting parents report any and all student absences. Planned absences (trips, appointments, etc), can be reported in advance. Emergency absences (illness, traffic, etc) should be reported by 7:45 AM. Reports can be made by calling the school 615-865-4055 or emailing attendance@madisonacademy.com.   Parents will be called for verification if the student is not present and the absence was not reported. Thanks for helping!

Upcoming student elections

Love to worship? Enjoy a good party? Have something to say? Want to use your talents to lead others? If you value school culture and want to be a part of creating activities and building relationships… you should run for a student leadership office!!

Campaign week for Student Council officers is scheduled for August 17-20 with speeches on the 19th and elections on the 20th. If interested, complete the application linked here and submit by Friday, August 14 by 9 AM. Class Officers will be elected in class meetings on Friday, August 21. If you have questions about students leadership, connect with Chappy Jamieson or Mrs. Fuentes, emails linked here.

Athletic Depart News

We review and evaluate our pandemic response plans EVERYDAY! It is imperative that we, to be best of our ability, protect our students and staff. We continue to make careful, thoughtful decisions that are difficult and sometimes unpopular.

Late last week, we made the decision to cancel the girls volleyball season. We did so after a lengthy debate considering multiple factors. We will reevaluate the athletic program and future sports’ seasons regularly. 

We have an exciting alternative! Because we value the athletic program and want to keep our students engaged in sports, we have organized a robust intramural program for the next few months (and longer if it’s needed). Coach Smith, our Athletic Director, is already working on plans for a series of co-ed, individual and small group, non- / minimal-contact sports. Our decision to adjust is our bold attempt to play sports safely, limit our risk, and provide more options for all students and staff. We will explain more about the Intramural Program in the coming newsletters and at school. We are planning for the Cross Country season to CONTINUE. The practices and meets can be properly socially-distanced. Coach Ley will have more information for potential team members in the first few days of school.

Planned flexibility

We’re back! The MA team is preparing for our students to return!
Does MA have a plan?  Yes, we have 36… one for every week. Our commitment can be summed up in this expression: “PLANNED FLEXIBILITY.” We remain devoted to our God, our students, and our curriculum. So, we are starting our education ministry on August 12 (Aug 11 for Freshmen). 
If I send my student back on campus, will he/she be safe?  We are taking many steps to ensure the health and safety of our students and staff. Masks, screening, hand-sanitizers, proper instruction and signage, social-distancing, careful consistent cleaning, and much more, are all a part of our plan to mitigate the risk of contracting or spreading COVID-19.  
If I keep my student home, will he/she be engaged in learning?  Teachers trained this week on the new mobile command centers and drafted lesson plans in new digital formats so they can be ready to provide synchronous education both in the classroom and virtual. They have new hardware and software, along with many of new tools and ideas to elevate the learning experience.
What if things change?  Well, it’s guaranteed. Things have and will continue to change! But the amazing Madison Academy team of educators and support personnel believes in consistent revision… professionally, physically, spiritually (Read Psalm 119:33-40). We are small and nimble, so we can and will adjust as needed. We have committed to PLANNED FLEXIBILITY!
Does Madison have a self-paced course option? Sorry. No. We know our limitations and do not have the staff at this time. For an online SDA home school platform, we recommend Griggs International through Andrews University. 
What if…?  Exactly! I feel your pain in the question. We know that the decision to be on campus, virtual, or home school can be difficult one. We are are fully aware of the financial choice you are making as well. Just know that we are committed to our God, our students, our curriculum… and to PLANNED FLEXIBILITY!!

Covid-19 Response Plan